Austin FC x Sporting KC

Austin FC defeated Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium, thanks to goals from Gyasi Zardes and Ethan Finlay, who scored two minutes apart. Following a month off from league play to participate in the first-ever Leagues Cup, the win pushes the Verde & Black to fifth place in the MLS Western Conference.

Austin scored two quick goals in the 17th and 19th minutes to cap off a solid first half. First, Zardes scored his sixth goal of the year by heading a cross from Jon Gallagher past SKC goalie Kendall McIntosh and then finishing off the rebound.

Then, Finlay added some insurance with a first-timer off his left foot that was dead on. Dany Rosero would score a goal just before halftime, making it 2-1, by heading in a corner kick from Daniel Sallói.

Austin had a lot of second-half opportunities despite protecting a slim lead, with Rodney Redes bringing a spectacular stop out of McIntosh. Despite SKC's best efforts, Austin maintained their home-field advantage and kept dominating to secure their third home victory in a row.

[Photography by Dee Rosa]